It’s uneven in spots, but the new rock opera “Magdalena, Woman
of Light” is clearly worth a visit on the strength of the four
leads and the lively score, played by a fine five piece band that
includes a harpist.
The new rock musical about Mary Magdalene runs through Oct. 19
at the New Denver Civic Theatre, and has been a decade-long project
for Colorado writers Susan Griffin and Michele Wagner, with music
by Kama Devi, Unfortunately, this is the final weekend, although I
would expect to see it reappear, as its creators intend. The cost
in money, time and effort to mount a full-scale production is
mind-boggling.
While the authors say this project was under way before the “Da
Vinci Code” novel became a best seller, as was the film.
Controversy raged about both because of the story that Jesus and
Mary Magdalene loved each other and married, also the premise of
this work.
As lights go up, the Egyptian Head Priestess, the powerful
Natalie Oliver-Atherton, is spotlighted in the Temple of Isis,
backed by a chanting chorus. She becomes Mother Wisdom in Scene 2
as she crowns Magdalene, Woman of Light, Marika Reisberg, who has a
wonderful, lush voice.
A few days later on the shores of the sea of Galilee, she meets
Jesus, a solid Benjamin Francis, who is teaching his apostles.
Among them is Peter (multi-talented Steven J. Burge), who thought
he was the chosen one and is jealous of the immediate connection
between Jesus and Magdalene. “She’s just a woman” he laments.
The Last supper, crucifixion and a resounding “Rise, Baby Rise,”
with Mother Wisdom consoling a devastated Peter, are followed by a
full company “A New Way of Being.” Both are depicted with a rousing
gospel chorus.
Wagner directed the production, with musical directed by Devi.
The temple dancers who appear occasionally are a somewhat weak link
and other cast members were not as confident as the leads.
We congratulate the creators of this really positive entry in
the theater community, and recommend that audiences support it as
it starts its trip to wider exposure.
The production plays through Oct. 19 at the New Denver Civic
Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Dr., Denver. Performances: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 5 P.m. Sundays.
Tickets: $39.50, $34.50, 303-309-3773, denvercivic.com, TicketsWest at King
Soopers, www.ticketswest.com,
866-464-2626.
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